Novotny had been unable to pay the city's licensing fee, but she was hoping business would pick up soon at her bakery off University and Raymond avenues.

"It's an expensive license anyway, and with the late fees we just have not been able to get it paid," Novotny said. "We've been dealing with the harsh reality of light-rail construction."

Novotny closed the bakery this morning -- Thursday, Aug. 16 -- until she can get the license fee paid.

She's waiting to get details from city staff members, but she does not currently have the $714 in licensing and late fees that it would take to reopen.

In addition to construction woes, Novotny said nearly every piece of equipment in her kitchen has broken down this summer.

Novotny started a Kickstarter page a few days ago to raise money for equipment repairs. She's hoping her regular customers pull through, but she can't access that money until the campaign closes in 30 days, so she's offering "future cookie" orders through her website.

"When I pay the license I will bake you the cookies," Novotny said.

Novotny said she's down, but not out.

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"We had to shutter our store downtown in 2009, and we were able to reopen," she said. "So I really feel like it's going to happen. I'm really, really hopeful. We have a huge following."